Peñitas library holds Easter event
PEÑITAS—Peñitas Public Library staff were overwhelmed by the huge turn out for the group’s Easter event held Tuesday. An estimated 140 children enjoyed an array of activities related to the holiday’s furry mascot, the Easter Bunny.
Library Director Yenni Espinoza said she was happy to see so many smiling faces in their recently renovated facility.
“To see all the kids coming in and for some of them it was their first time coming to the library since we reopened,” Espinoza said. “They were surprised; they ask what happened because the library is much bigger.”
Community members started the event with their children in the reading room. After story time, participants were able to create a bird out of paper plates and color Easter-inspired prints.
An egg hunt was held immediately after craft time at the Peñitas Public Park for three separate age groups. In each hunt, two golden eggs were placed in the masses for students to win a special prize.
“We received a donation from Commissioner Joe Flores from Precinct 3 to purchase bikes, baskets and snacks for the kids,” Espinoza said. “State Representative (District 35) Oscar Longoria also donated bikes for the raffle.”
Participants who collected the golden eggs received Easter baskets filled with goodies, while others won bikes and other Easter décor through the raffle. Mayor Marcos Ochoa, Peñitas Police Chief Roel Bermea and Mayor Pro-Tem Antonio Flores Jr. were in attendance and assisted with ticket raffle duties.
Five-year old Aldo Cantu was the first child to win a bike in the raffle. His mother, Samantha Salinas, said it was her son’s first Easter event of that size and he enjoyed every part of it. Cantu smiled and nodded when asked if he liked his brand new bike.
Espinoza said at least 280 people were in attendance including parents and other family members. All attendees also received Easter-themed cupcakes and ice cream pops.
The director said all the items offered to the public, free of charge, were due to the fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Peñitas Public Library group. She added the group works year round to raise funds for events.
The library’s next event is El Dia de Los Niños, El Dia de Los Libros on April 30. From 5-6 p.m., Espinoza said children up to the age of 17 would be able to receive a free new book.
The library director hopes to have a large turn out for all of the library’s future projects, including their summer reading program.
“It was nice to see everyone happy, and some of them got to take something home,” Espinoza said. “That is why we work and put these events together…it’s all for them.”
